Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
20
1.4.2. Implementation Steps
The Single Window implementation process is a succession of different steps necessary to
mobilize political support and stakeholders, to undertake the preparatory assessments, to
design and plan the future system, to develop and deployment the IT system, and to manage the
change and build the performance capacity.
The logical sequence as shown in elow includes the following steps: inception;
elaboration; planning; development and development; and evaluation and feedback 15. During
the process many documents are developed that account for activities of each step, so that a
logical flow of documents complements the flow of actions.
Figure 9: Implementation Steps and Related Documents
Source: Authors’ own construction
Inception
The inception phase may also be referred to as setting the agenda and developing a policy vision.
Single Window initiatives are driven by different policy expectations and may be championed
by isolated branches of the government. Customs services, port Authorities or Ministry of
Trade/Economy are the most frequent driver of Single Window initiatives. Through public
awareness raising and media coverage, the Single Window is put on the political agenda and
cross-government support is mobilised. A Single Window vision document may be developed at
this stage to spell out in few pages the concept and its expected benefits. The formal adoption of
the vision at government level, authorises and delegates the development of a Single Window
strategy.
Elaboration
The preparatory work for a Single Window is conducted following the mobilisation of cross-
government support and endorsement of the vision document. Governments implement the
Single Window approach in many different ways, reflecting their particular institutional and
regulatory context. The preparatory work is therefore necessary to take strategic design
decisions. Domestic requirements and priorities are identified; different options for a SW
including the technology, organizational and funding models discussed, and a cost and benefits
analysis may be conducted. The documents that are developed in this phase are a feasibility
15 The naming and grouping of activities follows UNESCAP and UNECE, Single Window Planning and Implementation Guide
(New York and Geneva: United Nations, 2012) but the substance differs from it and builds on various resources.